Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations

FAMILY PLANNING: Planned Parenthood Sued over ‘Unfair Competition’

Family Planning Associates Medical Group Inc. in Long Beach has sued Planned Parenthood in Orange, Los Angeles and San Diego counties for "competing illegally as a for-profit clinic." The group, which specializes in family planning and abortions, claims Planned Parenthood is "violating state regulations and its own charter as a charitable organization by providing for-fee medical services." Apparently, a move by Southern California Permanente Medical Group to start referring patients to the Planned Parenthood clinics is at the heart of the dispute. The group previously contracted with Family Planning Associates "for the same services." The Los Angeles Times reports that the lawsuit "seeks unspecified damages for alleged unfair competition, unfair business practices and interference with its contract" (O'Dell, Los Angeles Times, 1/23).

This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.